Europa Awakenings

Exhausted and emotionally drained, the three retired early to bed, looking forward to a night of rest without the worry of someone hunting them. The sounds of the surf below and the flowing fountain in the foyer lulled the three quickly to sleep. Graybin and Runbee retired to their room to rest, assured the house would watch over its occupants and keep the young monarchs safe.

  Each awoke the following morning feeling surprisingly refreshed and ready for a day of new discoveries. Over a wonderful breakfast and several cups of coffee, the three planned out their day. Earon planned to go with Runbee to the saltwater pool on the third floor where they could transform into dolphins and race each other, working off some of Earon’s pent up energy. Europa decided to visit the library and spend some quiet time thinking over everything that had happened the past few days. Terrance offered to go with her, but Europa said she really wanted to be alone for a while, so he opted to join Earon and Runbee at the pool where he could toss them objects to retrieve. The three decided to reconnect at dinner, after which everyone, including Graybin and Runbee, would join Earon in the saltwater pool to listen to him play his instrument.

  Terrance and Earon escorted Europa to the library, then followed Runbee up the stairs to the third floor saltwater swimming pool. As they reached the top step they could smell the salt air and feel a soft breeze blowing in from the ocean below. Earon closed his eyes and breathed the smell in deeply. He had always loved the smell of the ocean. Following the smell, it led him through a white marble arch and out onto a large open patio containing a pool the length of one and a half Olympic size pools, just over two hundred feet long. He looked up to see a beautiful blue sky with just a few small fluffy clouds. Feeling the warmth of the sun on his body, he looked out to see the ocean in all directions. The perimeter of the patio was edged with a flowering hedge of Japanese holly, with a white marble stone half-wall behind the hedge. The floor was made of a light lilac stone with specks of gold and lavender swirled through it. Several large potted plants were spaced pleasingly around the patio as well as loungers, chairs and small tables. A small bar extended from the inside wall to complete the picture. It was hard to imagine such a beautiful place could not be seen from above, but he knew the security screen kept it hidden from view.

  The pool had been specifically designed for Earon and other invited guests to have a place to transform and enjoy the ocean’s waters without ever leaving the security of the house. It was filled with sea water and descended down into the island to a depth of fifty feet. It was more than enough room to allow Earon to transform into a sea creature of his choice and race, jump, swim or flip to his heart’s content. At the near end of the pool was a set of stairs and a much shallower section ranging from three to eight feet. This part of the pool was designed for Europa so she too would have somewhere safe to swim in addition to the freshwater pool on the first floor. It was also hoped Europa would use the saltwater pool to interact with the transformed Oonocks as she had all of her life in the open ocean, although she did not know it.

  Terrance watched in amazement as Earon and Runbee transformed effortlessly into dolphins and began to chase each other. After several hours of ball tossing, jumping, racing and ring-catching, Earon had had a good workout and felt rejuvenated and famished. After transforming back into human form and dressing, Earon and Runbee followed Terrance back to the kitchen ready for lunch.

  ______________

  Europa stepped into the library expecting to be amazed at its grandeur, if the rest of the house was any indication of what it would look like. She was not disappointed. The wall on the right was lined with sturdy oak bookshelves holding a large assortment of books. The left wall was made of glass to allow the sun to illuminate the room, while giving the library’s occupant a view of the blue sky and gardens below. Positioned in front of the window was an oak desk on which sat a computer. Europa remembered Graybin telling her one had been installed so they could keep abreast of what was happening in the real world during their stay. They could receive information but there was no way to send anything out, a security measure to keep their location secret. On the wall at the far end of the room were four additional oak bookshelves divided in the middle by a huge painting of her parents in their human form. In addition to books, these shelves also contained pictures. The shelves on the right contained pictures of her, covering the ages of infancy through high school. The shelves on the left contained portraits she was not quite able to make out. As she walked toward them for a closer view, she realized they were probably pictures of Earon in his true form spanning numerous years. There was even a picture of her parents in their true form holding a very young Earon. She lifted this family portrait from its place on the shelf and scanned it, mesmerized by their true form’s beauty and simplicity. She marveled how breath taking exquisite they were as they floated in a setting of lilac water. She assumed this portrait and the other portraits of Earon had been done while they lived at the Ocean Complex. She wondered how the portraits were made since a water environment would prohibit the use of paints or a camera. She made a mental note to ask Earon or Graybin about how they were created. Looking at their happy faces, Europa imagined herself in the portrait as a Waters and thought about how wonderful it would have been if they had had the opportunity to be a real family. She turned to look at the pictures of herself and noted there was one of her and her mother together when she was about five, but of course there was none of her with her father. Hoping there was some type of photo equipment in the house, she decided to ask Enok if he would take a picture with her that could be placed next to the one of her and her mother. She smiled at the thought, feeling such a picture would make the collection complete.

  Europa carefully replaced the family portrait back on its shelf, then walked over to the large painting of her parents. The painting started about six inches off the floor and looked to be about seven feet tall and five feet wide. Scanning the picture, she noticed the painting must have been done at Minnos, for there in the background was the cottage with its circular porch. A simple, but eloquent, carriage was parked in front of the cottage with two white horses harnessed to it. More than likely, the painting had been done right after Minnos had been completed and her parents still believed they would be living there. That meant the painting was almost four hundred years old and her parents looked no different.

  As her eyes continued to examine the painting, she noticed it had an odd appearance, an appearance of a water pool. It shimmered and contained very miniscule waves that rippled down its surface. Intrigued with the possibility it was not a normal painting, she reached out and gently touch it anticipating a hard surface. To her amazement, she watched as ripples circled out from where her fingers touched the painting. She immediately pulled her hand back fearing she might damage it and looked around to see if anyone saw what she saw. She giggled nervously, remembering she was alone in the room. Gently with one finger, she lightly touched the painting again. As before, ripples fanned out across the painting as her finger penetrated the surface. Totally intrigued by this, she pushed her finger deeper into the painting to see how far her hand could penetrate. She was disappointed when her finger stopped just below the watery surface as it struck a hard layer. Evidently the watery effect was superficial.

  Afraid to make another attempt to penetrate the painting, Europa walked over to the wall of books. The assortment was amazing. There were classic novels, modern novels, short-stories collections, how-to books, books on nature and the cosmos, comics and even several versions of the bible. As she walked down the bookcases scanning the titles, she came across one bookshelf containing a set of double doors she had not noticed before. She reached up and opened them to reveal a Blu-ray player and a viewing screen. On the shelves beneath the screen was an assortment of her favorite movies and television shows. Whoever had designed this room had thought of everything they might want or need to occupy their time during a long stay on the is
land.

  A soft knock at the door broke the room’s silence. After a few seconds the doors opened and Graybin stepped inside. “Forgive me for interrupting you, Your Majesty,” she said. “I was wondering if you were going to come downstairs to eat lunch with the males or if you wanted me to bring you something up here?”

  “I am not very hungry,” Europa replied. “But I would like . . .”

  Before Europa could finish her sentence Graybin said, “Coffee? I have it right here.” Graybin stepped back into the hallway for a moment and reappeared carrying a tray with coffee and some crackers and cheese. “I’ll just put it down over here on the table by the sitting chair.” After sitting the tray down Graybin poured Europa a large mug of coffee and brought it over to her. “French Roast, your choice of the early afternoon, if I am not mistaken.”

  “Thank you, Graybin,” Europa said. “You are astonishing. You always know what we need, sometimes I think even before we do. You remind me a lot of my mother’s helper, Misso. She always seemed to anticipate things. Did you know her?”

  “Yes, Your Majesty,” Graybin replied, slightly surprised at Europa’s question. “Misso was my daughter.”

  A surprised expression crossed Europa’s face. She had no idea Graybin was Misso’s mother. It was Misso she had been talking about that day when she told Europa her daughter had been killed by the Terrians and had passed on. “Oh, Graybin, I am sorry. I did not know.”

  “No need to apologize, Europa,” Graybin said. “It is understandable you did not know. You were never told anything about her family life”

  “I am sorry we were not able to save her,” Europa said, not sure what the Oonock custom was regarding family deaths. “She was a wonderful helper and she is missed very much.”

  “I miss her too, and Sunam,” Graybin said, her eyes becoming watery. “But they died valiantly fulfilling their duty. And they were able to flow together into the Waters of Life. No soldier or life-mates could ask for better deaths.” Europa could see Graybin was having trouble keeping her emotion under control. “If you have no further need of me, I will take my leave. The males will be expecting their lunch.”

  “Yes, by all means,” Europa said. Then she did something she regretted never doing to Misso. She walked up to Graybin, put her arms around her and hugged her tightly. She whispered in Graybin’s ear, “Thank you for all you do for us.” When Europa released her and stepped back, she could see Graybin was taken aback by Europa’s sign of affection, not accustomed to such actions by royals. As a tear escaped her eye, Graybin turned and quickly left the room without saying another word.

  Europa debated if she wanted to check the world news on the internet, read a book or watch a movie, but her attention kept returning to the picture of her parents. She felt there was more to this picture than what she was seeing. After refilling her coffee mug and grabbing a few crackers and pieces of cheese, she returned to the painting. She began to search it, to examine every inch of canvas looking for something she knew was there but not seeing.

  _____________

  Graybin walked into the kitchen several minutes before the three males arrived. She gestured the three hungry males to the table when they entered, keeping her back to them so they would not see the tears in her eyes.

  “Has Europa already had her lunch?” Terrance asked Graybin, as she brought him a ham and Swiss sandwich with French fries and coleslaw.

  “No,” Graybin answered. “Miss Europa said she wasn’t hungry, but I did take a small tray up to her in the library in hopes she might nibble a little.”

  Looking at Earon, Terrance asked, “Do you think we should see if she wants to join us?”

  “No, I think she needs this time to be alone,” Earon answered. “Remember, four days ago she was living at Minnos surrounded by the people who loved her and who cared for her since she was born, secure within the cottage’s walls. She was a normal human being with a canine companion and dreams of a human future. Today she is faced with the realization Minnos and everything she loved and owned is gone, almost everyone she cared about is dead, her canine was actually her brother transformed, and he and her parents are aliens from another world. A being she has never known has tried to kill her several times along with her brother and friend. And if that was not enough, she is confined to this island, beautiful as it is, for an undetermined amount of time, away from the world and other human beings except for yourself. I definitely think she has a lot of things to think about.”

  “Wow, now that you put it all together like that I’m surprised she’s not upstairs crying her eyes out,” Terrance said.

  “She may very well be,” Earon stated. “If she is not down for dinner I will go check on her. Besides, the house will let us know if she needs us.” Earon picked up his coffee cup and drained it of coffee. He placed it back on the table and said, “Since we have several hours before dinner, how about you and me go explore the house, Terrance? Maybe we can find this FarCore everyone spoke of.”

  Terrance agreed, but his heart really wasn’t in it. He was worried about Europa. Plus, Earon’s account of what had transpired lately also reminded him of his own stepfather’s death, something he was very much responsible for, and the truth of who he really was. He was never close to his stepfather, but that fact did not erase the sorrow of being a part of what ended his life. Terrance had second thoughts about exploring with Earon, wanting to retire to his room to contemplate his stepfather’s end. Yet, he realized that keeping busy was the best thing for him to do and followed Earon down the hall, comforted by the fact that the house would watch over Europa.

  _____________

  Earon and Terrance explored the house, looking in every room for any sign of the mysterious FarCore. Even though the house was large, it didn’t take long to complete their search. They wished they could go outside the house to explore the entrance cave and the grounds they had first walked through, but that was not allowed. Earon decided to return to his room to prepare his musical geezba for his recital that night. Not knowing what else to do, Terrance retired to his room too. Both agreed to meet in front of Europa’s room at six o’clock to accompany her downstairs to dinner.

  At six o’clock sharp, both Earon and Terrance emerged from their rooms ready for dinner. Earon knocked on Europa’s door but received no answer. “Perhaps she is still getting ready,” Earon said, looking at Terrance. He opened the door and called out Europa’s name, but only silence was returned.

  “Maybe she fell asleep in the library,” Terrance suggested. “She looked tired this morning at breakfast.”

  “She should have joined us at the sea pool,” Earon answered, walking down to the library. “A good workout would have energized her.”

  Earon knocked on the door and entered. Just as Europa had been, they were mesmerized by the beauty of the library. Their eyes scanned the room, taking in all that it had to offer, then they saw Europa standing in front of a painting at the far end of the room. “Europa, it is time for dinner,” Earon said, but he received no reply. As he walked closer to his sister he asked, “Europa, are you okay?”

  “Is this not fantastic?” Europa asked.

  Terrance and Earon stared at the painting. Both felt the term ‘fantastic’ was an understatement. “What exquisite work,” Terrance commented. “I see the Oonocks’ advancements over humans extend to the art world also.”

  “That may be,” Earon stated. “But I have never seen anything this detailed, this elaborate.”

  “Watch this!” Europa said with excitement, touching the painting and sending the ripples flowing across the surface. “It is almost as if it was painted with water, but there is a hard surface behind it.”

  “Can I try that?” Terrance asked, intrigued by a liquid painting.

  “Go ahead,” Europa said. Terrance reached out his finger and touched it, mesmerized by the ripples his finger created. “This is outstanding.??
?

  “I have been standing here most of the afternoon just looking at it,” Europa said. “I swear there is more to it than just a painting, but I cannot figure out what.”

  “We can come back later and see if we can discover its secrets,” Earon said. “Right now we need to go down to dinner, after which I had planned on playing my geezba for you two. Remember, Sis?”

  “Maybe we could wait until tomorrow to hear you play and come back here with Europa after dinner,” Terrance suggested, trying to find a way to postpone him going into the water to hear Earon.

  “No way,” Europa said, turning around and grabbing Terrance’s hand as she walked toward the door. “You are not getting out of Earon’s concert that easy. You are going to sit next to me, underwater and listen.”

  “I have everything worked out for you, Terrance,” Earon added, following the two down to the kitchen. “You will be in shallow water. You just have to have your ears underwater so you can hear and see the music.”

  “See the music?” Terrance asked, thinking what an odd thing for Earon to say. “One can’t see music.”

  “You will just have to wait for my performance and see.”

  As they descended the stairs Europa stopped and turned to face Earon. “Did you know that Misso was Graybin’s daughter?”

  “No, I did not know that,” Earon replied. “But it does not surprise me. There are so few Oonocks left, especially young ones, that everyone is related to someone now.”

  As they proceeded down, Terrance said, “That’s why Graybin can anticipate our needs like Misso. She probably taught her.”

  _____________

  After dinner Terrance and Europa went upstairs to change into their swim suits. Earon walked out to the side pool and slipped into the water to check if the geezba needed any tuning. Satisfied it was in perfect tune, he sat at the edge of the pool with his legs hanging in the water, eagerly waiting for Europa and Terrance to return.

  “Do you think he will back out?” Runbee asked, as he and Graybin walked across the floor and slipped into the pool.

  “No, he promised me he would come,” Earon said, his face showing the joy of having an audience to play for. Finally the two appeared, Terrance tightly holding Europa’s hand as they walked toward the pool. “Terrance, all you have to do is sit on the steps and put your head under the water so you can hear my geezba as it is meant to be heard. I had Runbee bring snorkels and diving masks for you, so you will be able to see and breathe without any problem,” Earon said, pointing to several snorkels lying on a table. “It is totally safe and, if at any time you become uneasy, all you have to do is stand up and your upper body half will be out of the water.”

  “Come on, Terrance,” Europa said, picking up a snorkel and mask for herself and Terrance on their way to the pool. Holding Terrance’s hand tightly in her own, she led him to the side of the pool and down the stairs. She explained to him how to use the snorkel and helped him put the diving mask on, assuring him there was nothing to fear and he would be able to breathe with no problem. With some trepidation, Terrance closed his eyes and lowered himself down into the water taking a seat beside Europa. He took a breath through the snorkel, ready to jump up if he had any problem breathing. To his surprise and delight, he was actually able to breathe just as Europa had said. He opened his eyes and was amazed to see Graybin and Runbee at the far end of the pool. “I’m doing it,” Terrance said to himself. “I’m actually underwater breathing and I can see everything.” He turned to look at Europa who gave him a big smile and a ‘thumbs up’ for his accomplishment.

  Earon slipped beneath the water with his geezba. He looked over to Terrance to see how the water phobic human was doing and was relieved to see the smile on his face. He too gave Terrance a ‘thumbs up’ for conquering his fears. Terrance never ceased to amaze him. When it came to Europa, there was nothing Terrance could not overcome if it meant keeping her safe or happy, even his fear of water. His sister had truly found her quanish and Earon was overjoyed. For the first time ever, Earon could foresee his sister living a happy life as a human with a good man at her side.

  Checking the location of his fingers, Earon began to strum the instrument’s strings. The water began to fill with the music of harps, violins, cellos and mandolins, as if an entire symphony was playing. As the sound flowed through the water it turned into a visual array of radiant colors, twirling and intersecting as they branched out across the pool, bursting into an explosion of color as the sound diminished. It was beyond anything Europa and Terrance had imagined. Terrance was so enthralled he completely forgot his fear of water and sat there until the last colored note disappeared when Earon finished.

  Having concluded his song Earon rose and motioned for the other to follow. He sat on the side of the pool eagerly awaited Europa’s and Terrance’s emergence. “Well, what did you think?” he asked, a large smile framing his face.

  “Earon, I have never heard or seen anything so spectacular,” Europa said, as she and Terrance stood and removed their masks and snorkels. “I never knew it was possible to SEE sound.”

  “Anytime you want to play I will certainly take a seat underwater,” Terrance said. “I never imagined anything so beautiful. I am so glad you two persuaded me to attend. I actually enjoyed being underwater. I told myself during our voyage here, if I survived our journey and arrived alive, I would learn how to swim and sail. You’re playing tonight makes me even more determined to learn.”

  Europa leaned over and kissed Terrance. “I am so glad to hear that, Terrance. I love the water. It is like my second home. I now have something extra special to look forward to – showing you all the joys and wonders of a water world.”

  “Ever think the reason you feel at home in the water is because your family are water beings?” Earon asked, teasing his little sister. “It is undoubtedly part of your emotional makeup.”

  “You are probably right, Earon,” Europa answered. “But I never knew that until the other day. I just assumed I had a weird love for the ocean. Now I know why, thanks to a madman.” As soon as Europa said the last sentence she regretted it, remembering the madman was Terrance’s stepfather. She turned toward Terrance, who was still standing next to her and she saw the look on his face. “Oh, Terrance, I’m sorry. I should not have called your father a madman.”

  Terrance turned toward Europa, trying to put a joyful look upon his face. “Don’t worry about it, Europa. Unfortunately, you spoke the truth. Although I never knew him as one, I have to resolve myself to the fact he was a madman, a psychopathic mass murderer.”

  Earon rose and walked over to where Europa and Terrance stood. He placed his hands on Terrance’s shoulder and looked directly into his eyes. “Terrance, never believe that. Your father was not a madman. JeffRa was. Your father was Jeffrey Landers, a decent man from all the accounts you have given of him. That is who you need to remember, Jeffrey Landers the human, not JeffRa the Terrian. They are two separate beings; one good and one evil. Even at the end I could see in your father’s eyes his love for you. Never doubt that, okay?”

  “I will try,” Terrance answered, remembering a few fond memories of Jeffrey Landers.

  Feeling enough had been said on the subject, Earon held out his hand to escort his sister to a nearby table. Terrance followed and took the chair next to her. Just as they were sitting down Graybin and Runbee returned from the kitchen with fresh strawberry shortcake and coffee for everyone to enjoy. The five sat around the table enjoying Graybin’s delicious treats and watching the pinks, purples and blue colors of the sun set.

  “Graybin, these have to be some of the best strawberries I have ever tasted,” Terrance commented. “Do you know where they were grown?”

  Graybin looked at Terrance, a little amused by his question. “They are from our garden here on the island. I picked them earlier today.”

  “Garden? We have a vegetable garden?” Europa
asked, then realized if her mother helped design the layout of the island, she would have insisted on a vegetable garden.

  “Yes, Your Highness, we grow all our own vegetables and fruits here on the island. Remember, due to security issues there is no leaving the island for supplies. Other than the supplies you brought with you on your boat and the food we are able to obtain from the sea, everything you eat or use must come from the island.”

  “We are totally self-contained and can live indefinitely on the food grown and produced here on the island for years, even decades,” Runbee added. He too was surprised Terrance and the monarchs had not understood their self-containment. Other than the ocean, where did they think the food came from? “Believe it or not, we even have a few chickens living on the island so we can have eggs for breakfast.”

  “And Mother always loved her vegetable gardens,” Europa said.

  “That she did,” Graybin replied. “I remember her telling me once it was one of her most favorite things about living above. That and coffee. Speaking of which, would anyone like a warm-up on their coffee?” All three lifted their cups in response to her question.

  “Runbee, there is a picture of my parents in the library,” Earon said, as he watched Graybin fill his cup. “Do you know where it came from or how it was made? I have never seen anything like it before.”

  “No, I’m sorry Earon, I don’t,” Runbee replied. He turned to Graybin. “Do you know?” he asked her.

  “I don’t know how it was made but I do know it was made by your mother,” Graybin stated. “I believe the Orbs she originally found in the cavern taught her the technique while we still lived on Europa. I believe the knowledge was a gift for the royal family.”

  “So my mother found the Orbs?” Europa asked.

  “Yes,” replied Graybin. “She found them shortly after she and your father were joined. It was so long ago I don’t remember the particulars, only that the Orbs were from FarCore.”

  “FarCore?” all three said at once.

  “FarCore was on Europa?” Europa asked.

  “I thought FarCore was here on Saint’s Isle,” Earon stated, fearful he was mistaken.

  “FarCore exists in many places and has countless entrances, but if there is one on Saint’s Isle I do not know about it,” Graybin stated. She could see the look of disappointment on the three young travelers’ faces. Evidently FarCore was something of interest to them. “If there is an entrance here on the island I am sure your father will know where it is. You must remember to ask him. He would also know the story of how your mother found the Orbs. I am sure he would be delighted to tell you the story when he returns.”

  “Thank you, we will be sure to ask him,” Earon said.

  After everyone had finished their desert and coffee, Graybin and Runbee gathered the dishes. “We will take our leave of you now,” Runbee said. “We have to prepare for your father’s visit tomorrow.” With that said, the two turned and left, leaving the three travelers alone on the patio.

  “I guess we should be turning in too,” Europa stated. “Thank you again, Earon, for a wonderful evening. I hope it is the first of many concerts you will entertain us with.”

  “You can count on it, Sis.”

  ____________

  At breakfast the next morning Europa announced she had some things she needed to do before her father arrived, leaving the two men to once again search for FarCore. The little bit of information Graybin had relayed regarding the mysterious location now had Earon more intrigued than ever. Not having much interest in FarCore, but again realizing Europa wanted time alone, Terrance tagged along with Earon trying to look enthused.

  Europa watched the two trot off on their exploration. After she was sure they were out of eye sight, she hurried up the stairs and returned to the library to focus on the painting. But this time instead of filling her with awe, a deep sadness overcame her for the life that should have been hers but wasn’t.

  ____________

  After a couple of hours of searching, Terrance and Earon became bored with looking for the elusive FarCore. They decided to get Europa and go to the side pool where Earon was going to teach Terrance how to strum the geezba. Earon knocked on her bedroom door but received no answer. He opened the door to an empty room. Thinking she might have returned to the library, they walked down the hall and stood outside the door. Earon hesitated on opening the door when he thought he heard crying inside.

  “Terrance, would you kindly go downstairs and ask Graybin if she would mind making another one of those delicious deserts she served us last night?” Earon said, now sensing the past weeks’ events had finally come crashing down upon his sister. Earon saw the perplexed look on Terrance’s face. “I believe my sister and I need to spend some quality sibling time together this morning,” he offered as an explanation, although, as monarch, he needed to give none. “You have to trust me on this, Terrance. Please wait for us downstairs.”

  “Okay,” Terrance said, as he turned and walked alone down the staircase and headed toward the kitchen.

  Earon knocked on the door and stepped inside. His heart sank as he saw he had been correct. Sitting on the floor in front of the painting was Europa. He could now clearly hear her sobs and see her body shake as she was consumed by a flood of emotions.

  “Rough day?” Earon asked, walking over and gently sitting down on the floor beside her. “Care to talk about it?”

  “No,” he vaguely heard Europa say. “Just things.”

  “You used to talk to me all the time about everything,” Earon said. “What is that you are holding in your hands?” he asked her, reaching over to remove a painting she was holding. He was not surprised when he saw it was the picture of himself with their parents.

  “That was when I thought you were a dog and didn’t understand what I was saying,” she replied, remembering the hours she had poured her heart out to poor Triton.

  “Well, maybe it will help if I become Triton for a while again,” Earon said, as he took the picture from her hand and lifted her up from the floor. “Let us go sit on the couch.” Holding on to her hand tightly, he led her to a nearby couch where he handed her back the picture once she was seated. “Remember, I have to be naked before I can transform, so you will have to close your eyes when I get to my underwear, Sis.”

  “Stop, Earon,” Europa said. “I am not in the mood for games.”

  “Really, it is no problem,” Earon said, beginning to undress. “I will become Triton and lie here beside you and you can pour your heart out to me.”

  “Earon, stop,” Europa repeated, “I have already seen everything once and I do not wish to see it again.”

  Now in his underwear, Earon looked directly at Europa. “Tell you what, Sis; I will give you a choice. I can take off this underwear and become Triton or I can put them back on and you can talk to me as Earon. The choice is yours.”

  Earon was surprised when his ultimatum was met with silence. He had assumed Europa would pick Earon immediately. Evidently, she was being stubborn or more upset than he thought. He turned his back to her and pulled his underwear part way down, showing his buttocks. “Here they go,” he said.

  “Gross!! Pull them back up,” Europa yelled, a hint of amusement in her voice. “I will talk to Earon, although I do miss Triton at times.”

  Earon quickly dressed and sat down next to Europa and pulled her in his arms. “Wise decision!! But you know, Sis, any time you miss ol’ Triton, it is no problem for me to transform into him.”

  As he held her he felt another flood of emotion overwhelm her. She began to cry so hard she could barely catch her breath. As Triton, Earon had seen her cry many times, but never like this.

  “So what is the matter?” Earon asked, wrapping his arms around her even tighter. “Why are you so upset?”

  Finally after several minutes, Europa was able to control her emotions and replied in an almost silent voice, ??
?Oh, Earon, Minnos is gone and almost everyone we knew is dead. And even Jeanip and Mr. Dark Feather could be dead by now. And it is all because of me. ME. They were protecting me and died as a result.”

  “They were protecting me too,” Earon said.

  “Even you were protecting me,” she added. “And who was I protecting? No one.” She lifted the picture and held it out for Earon to see. “And look at this picture of my family. Who is missing? Me! My whole life has been a lie. Everything I was ever told, who I thought I was, everything I believed – LIES!” Once again her crying became too overpowering for her to talk.

  “I do not believe that is true,” Earon said, trying to think of what their mother would say if she were there. “Right now you just cannot see the truths in your life. Were you not born to two parents who loved you more than anything, raised by a mother who loved and cherished you and protected by an array of people who likewise loved you? Were you not told that you were from a royal family that had to flee their home country due to a long feud with a warring race? Were you not raised to be strong, independent and a lady with a bright future? I see no lies in any of that.” Earon stated, hoping to get Europa to see the truths in her life.

  “You forgot to add the part about my parents being aliens from another world,” Europa sobbed. “And that my guard dog was actually my alien brother in disguise.”

  “A few little technicalities,” Earon said, hugging her tightly, resting the side of his face against her head.

  “Technicalities?” Europa yelled, raising her head to look Earon directly in the eyes. “I would call them a little more than technicalities, Earon. I am from a race of aliens who have extraordinary capabilities, intelligence and powers, who live for thousands of years and who can shape-shift into countless creatures. And can I do any of these things? NO!”

  “All families have their black sheep,” Earon stated, trying to keep the conversation light.

  “But in our family, I AM the black sheep,” Europa said, more tears running down her face, soaking Earon’s shirt. “Do you not see that? Everyone can transform and do these amazing things except ME. I am human. Our parents made me human. And I do not understand why they did this to me.”

  Earon leaned down and kissed his sister on top her head. “They did what they thought was best for you,” he said softly.

  “What kind of life am I going to have?” Europa asked her brother, fearing the future now that she knew the truth. “I am unable to go live with you and father at the Complex. I have to live on land, but the only home I have ever known has been blown to pieces. Where am I going to live? With everyone gone, who will help me find my place in this world?”

  Before Earon could answer they both heard a voice say from the doorway, “Your brother and I will help you build that life. And I am pretty sure there is a young man downstairs who plans on doing the same.” Europa looked up and saw her father standing in the doorway.

  “Oh, it is you,” Europa said, snuggling back into her brother’s arms. “You really did come back.”

  “As I said I would,” Enok replied, aware this time his daughter was not overjoyed to see him.

  “Hello, Father,” Earon said. Earon sent his father a silent message. “Europa is really upset, Father. She thinks her life has been a lie and she has been robbed of the life that should have been hers as a Waters. And she is feeling guilty about everyone who has died protecting her.”

  Earon heard his father reply, “She is right. She WAS robbed of the life that should have been hers. But she must realize the robber was not her mother and me, but JeffRa. And thank the Waters not everyone has died.”

  A glimmer came to Earon’s eye as he realized his father was talking about Jeanip and Mr. Dark Feather. Wanting his sister to hear some had survived, Earon asked out load. “Any news on Jeanip or Mr. Dark Feather?”

  “Evidently, it takes more than a cave-in to end Chancee’s existence. He was quick enough to transform into a grizzly and thus prevented his human form from being crushed to death. The rescue crew dug him out and he is recovering at the Complex, a fact that is really going to tick him off when he wakes up.”

  “Why is that, Father?” Earon inquired.

  “The day Chancee became Thomas Dark Feather he promised the chief he would never leave his tribe until the day he flowed out into the ocean. And he never has. Other than an occasional trip into town, he has remained on their land for hundreds of years. So, when he awakens to discover he is at the bottom of the ocean at the Complex and off the reservation, he is going to be very, VERY upset.”

  “And how is Jeanip?” Earon asked. “Were the medical aides able to help him?”

  “His injuries were very severe and we were not sure he would survive the night, but old soldiers, such as he, are almost impossible to kill,” Enok replied. “He is also recovering at the Complex and is doing well. He has a long road to recovery, but I am sure his stubbornness will have him up and around in several weeks. I would not be surprised if he pays you two a visit within the month.”

  “That is great news,” Earon said. He looked down at Europa. “Did you hear that, Sis? They were able to reach Mr. Dark Feather in time and he is mending at the Complex. And Jeanip is recovering also and will join us soon. Is that not wonderful news? Both are alive!” He heard her sobs subside, assuming the news of Jeanip made her feel better.

  “Hurray,” Europa said sarcastically. “Should we throw a parade in celebration? Is it not wonderful? Jeanip and Mr. Dark Feather can both return to protect me and someone else can try to kill them and next time succeed.”

  Enok looked at Earon and motioned his head toward the door. “Earon, I believe your sister and I have some things to discuss. Please keep Terrance company for dinner and ask Graybin to bring Europa and me up a tray.”

  “I am not hungry,” Europa said, clinging onto Earon to prevent him from leaving.

  “Ask Graybin to bring up a tray for two, with plenty of coffee,” Enok repeated.

  “Yes, Sir,” Earon said. He released Europa from his arms and lifted her away from his chest, sitting her on the couch. “I need to go, Sis. You need to stay here with Father.”

  “I do not want to be with him,” Europa whispered, keeping her eyes looking down, while she grabbed her brother’s shirt again to keep him with her. “I want to stay with you.”

  “No, Sis,” Earon replied, removing her grip off his shirt once again. “You need to talk to him. Listen to what he has to say. Ask him what you need to know. He is an unbelievable monarch, but more importantly, he is a wonderful, fantastic father.” Earon leaned down and kissed her on top of her forehead, then turned and walked out of the room, closing the door behind him.

  Europa glared at Enok as he walked over to a chair across from where she sat curled up. “I know you are upset, Europa. And very upset with the decisions your mother and I made regarding your future. You have every right to your feelings, and I understand why you are confused and even worried. But please let me help you understand.”

  “Now you want to help?” Europa asked, staring at her father. “Where were you for the past twenty years when I needed your help? Where were you when Mother died?”

  “I was being a monarch, protecting my people and you,” Enok replied. “I was trying to get better so I could breathe and join you three and we could be a family. But most importantly, I was there watching over you. You just could not see me. I was there through your mother, I was there through Jeanip, and I was there through the security protocols and decrees. And I was there in the waters, patrolling offshore to ensure that you, your brother and mother were safe.”

  “We all know how well that worked out, protecting us from offshore,” Europa said, allowing her bitterness to reflect in her voice. “It helped mother tremendously and kept Minnos in one piece.”

  Europa’s words cut into his heart like a blade. Enok knew Europa spoke the truth. His p
rotection from offshore did not save Minnos or the female he loved more than life itself. Enok rose from his chair and walked over to the large bay window, keeping his back to his daughter so she would not see the tears in his eyes. “Europa, never doubt the fact that had I had an inkling of your mother or you being in danger, I would have immediately come onto land, even though it would have meant my death. We truly believed JeffRa had died that day he went over the cliff. And we became more confident in his demise with every passing century. We had no indication he was still alive, hiding somewhere, plotting our end to fulfill his oath of revenge.” Enok paused for a moment as he composed himself, then said, “Europa, do you think a day or even an hour goes by that I do not blame myself for the loss of your mother and Minnos? Your mother was my world, my reason to exist and to be the best monarch I could be. I took some comfort knowing Minnos existed and, as long as it stood, a part of your mother would remain alive and strong, for Minnos was so much a part of her. But then JeffRa took that away from me too. If it were not for the love I have for you and your brother I would have crumbled into nothingness when Minnos was destroyed.”

  “Was JeffRa telling the truth about loving my mother?” Europa asked, staring at her father’s back.

  “Yes, he loved her,” Enok answered, as he turned and walked back to his chair, taking a seat once more. Europa could see tears in his eyes and realized how much he truly missed her mother and the guilt he felt over her loss. “He loved her very, very much.”

  “Did she love him?” Europa asked.

  “Very much,” Enok said truthfully. “And, had our fathers not pledged us together, she probably would have become his life’s mate instead of mine. But, as I told JeffRa, our fathers made the agreement we would join without our knowledge or consent. And once it was made we had no option but to follow their decree. Your mother wanted to explain what had happened to JeffRa, but she never saw him again while we were on Europa.”

  “Then mother did not love you at first?” Europa asked.

  “Your mother was fond of me, as I was of her,” Enok replied. “And, like your mother, I had another chosen as my life’s mate. But something happened to us once we were joined and began to know each other. That fondness grew into a very deep, deep love that still exists today. I cannot imagine loving anyone more than I loved your mother. She made me be a better Waters, a better Oonock, and a better monarch.”

  “JeffRa’s story was a lot different from the one Jeanip told us. Do you think he was lying?”

  “I imagine the truth is a combination of the two stories,” Enok said. “To us Oonocks, Jeanip’s version is the truth. To JeffRa and the Terrians, his version is the truth. Even the Oonocks and Terrians see truth in respect to how it affects them. I believe that is a consistent concept throughout the universe.”

  “Did you really send JeffRa supplies like you said?” Europa asked.

  “Yes, for three months. I never knew he did not receive them,” Enok replied. “Now that I know it was my father who caused the destruction of Jupiter, I believe it was also he that secretly prevented the supply shipments.”

  “Why would your father stop the supplies his son needed?” Europa asked. “He must have known that JeffRa needed them in order to survive on Ganymede.”

  “I am sure he did. When Quinsong died Father became inconsolable,” Enok explained, remembering back to that dark time in his past. “His determination to make JeffRa pay for her death was almost as strong as JeffRa’s determination to seek revenge on me. In Enoquin’s eyes JeffRa deserved only pain and misery, as did his followers. He would have seen the supplies and medicines as items that would make JeffRa’s life easier, something he could not let himself allow. Plus, Father and JeffRa never got along; probably because they were so alike. And I believe he also resented JeffRa because Mother loved him so much. Father often was intentionally cruel and mean to him. There were many times I had to step in between them to keep JeffRa from harm.”

  “His chest was so badly scarred,” Europa said, remembering the many scars of torture JeffRa had shown them. “He must have suffered greatly.”

  “Yes, I am sorry to say he did,” Enok stated, a tone of sadness clearly audible. “Had I known I might have tried to help him, but I am not sure. He was guilty of killing our sister and trying to kill Medaron and me. Would I have had the courage to rescue him knowing he would probably continue his quest to kill my family? I will never know. I loved my brother dearly, but I also had an obligation to protect Medaron and our people. Plus, the intelligence I received told a very different story. I was told he was doing well, had conquered the local tribes and made himself their leader. I was counseled numerous times that he was preparing to destroy not only my family, but the entire planet.”

  “And he is really gone for good?” Europa asked, not sure if she should believe he truly was.

  “Where I have sent him he cannot return,” Enok said. “This I promise you. But enough of JeffRa. If you have more questions I will gladly answer them after we discuss the real reason for these tears.”

  “Oh please tell me Mighty Enok, what is the ‘real reason’?” Europa asked, a tone of sarcasm strongly noticeable in her voice, anger building inside her again as she remembered her lost life.

  “Europa, I understand you are upset,” Enok began. “But I am the Head Monarch and your father. You will treat me with the respect my title and position entitles me to. In return, I will treat you with the respect you deserve as the future Supreme Monarch and I will tell you the truth. Is that understood?”

  “Why should I give you any respect?” Europa shouted. “How in your warped mind do you rationalize the thought that I owe you respect?”

  “Because I am your father!” Enok replied, trying to remain calm.

  “My father?” she yelled. “When were you ever my father? Just because you crawled on top my mother one night and planted yourself in her does not make you my father! Jeanip was more of a father to me than you ever have been. At least . . .”

  “ENOUGH!” Enok screamed, his voice so loud and forceful the security alarms began to sound. Enok and Europa both heard footsteps as Runbee, Graybin, Earon and Terrance ran up the stairs. They watched as the door burst opened revealing the four, Runbee and Graybin both holding assault weapons.

  “Are you okay, Your Majesties?” Runbee asked, surveying the room for possible threats.

  “Yes, just a little heated argument between father and daughter,” Enok replied, reminding Earon and Terrance of a similar argument between Europa and Terrance not long ago. “We are both fine.” After taking a calming breathe Enok said loudly, “Security alarms silent, authorization code CJ1-1.” The alarms stopped, making the room uncomfortably quiet except for the heavy breathing of Terrance, a result of running up the stairs. Seeing the still-concerned faces Enok stated, “I assure you we are fine. We are in no danger. You can return downstairs.”

  Runbee grabbed Terrance and Earon and pushed them through the doorway out into the hallway and back to the kitchen. Graybin followed and grasped the door handle to close the library door and give the two monarchs their privacy. Just as it was ready to close, she stopped and looked directly at Europa, a stern yet disappointed look on her face. “Today you have shamed your mother, Europa, and acted like a common street tentig. No matter what wrongs you believe he has done, which decisions of your parents you do not agree with, Enok is your father and our king and is NEVER to be talked to in such a manner. You do not have to love him, but his title does demand you respect him.” Without another word Graybin closed the door.

  “I am sorry for losing my temper, Father,” Europa said, knowing Graybin had spoken the truth. She had shamed her mother in addition to disrespecting her parents and her monarchs. She thought how angry and disappointed her mother would have been if she had heard Europa speak to Enok in such a tone. “I am sorry for the things I said and for disrespecting you and Mother
.”

  “I too am sorry, Europa, for raising my voice,” Enok said. “But I will allow no one, not even you, to disrespect your mother.” He raised himself from the chair and walked over to the couch were Europa sat. He sat down beside her and lifted her hand into his. “My Dearest Daughter,” Enok began, looking into her face, “I know Jeanip tried to explain why your mother and I made the decisions we did regarding your life. And I understand you feel you have been robbed and lied to. I am going to try to explain to you your mother’s and mine thinking behind our decisions so you can understand better. I do not ask you to forgive us or agree with our decisions, just that you listen. Okay?”

  “Okay”, Europa softly answered.

  “And feel free to ask me any questions you would like,” Enok added. “No matter what they are.”

  “I will,” Europa said.

  “First, let me say that in our race female births are rare,” Enok began. “Especially in the royal family. My sister was the first royal female born in over sixty-three thousand years and the last one until you. So you can see the importance of your conception. Jeanip explained to you about our reproduction capabilities here on Earth being compromised and we, as a race, are no longer able to conceive. No child has been born to us for over five hundred years. And before that, the few female children that were conceived at the Complex did not survive long after birth due to breathing problems. So you can imagine our shock when we learned your mother was pregnant. And the fact she carried a female Waters made it totally unbelievable. We were ecstatic with joy and everyone was celebrating the news. But with that joy came concern, for we knew if you were allowed to develop as an Oonock and be born at the Complex, your chance of survival was almost zero. Our medical personnel advised us your best chance was to be born above as a human who would be capable of breathing air. Considering their advice, and adding in other factors, your mother and I agreed you would be born human. Understand, Europa, this was a mutual decision. Both your mother and I were in agreement. To assure your human fetal development progressed as needed, Medaron immediately transformed into a human and lived apart from me in a special oxygenated, low-pressure environment in one of the upper levels of the Complex. There she remained until Jeanip could make the necessary security modifications to Minnos. Once Minnos was ready, Jeanip took Medaron and your brother above to await your birth.”

  “In the same box you took Jeanip in?” Europa asked, remembering Enok’s comment to Jeanip several days before.

  “Yes, in the same box,” Enok replied. “It was specially created for your mother to allow her to adjust to the extreme pressure changes needed as she went from the deep ocean to the surface. It also allowed her to breathe air rather than water.”

  “I stated there were several other factors that contributed to our decision besides your almost nonexistent chance of survival. The next factor was and still is totally mine. We had another son before Earon was born. His name was Tiree. He was killed during our last battle with the Terrians.”

  “Jeanip told us about him,” Europa said.

  “Did he also tell you your mother blamed herself for our son’s death and I nearly lost her to grief? I knew with certainty, if she carried you and then lost you, she would cease to exist. She could not bear the loss of another child. As with you, her only chance to live was above on land. So, as a totally selfish act on my part, I agreed for you to be born above as human and for Medaron to live transformed into one too, thus assuring her further existence.”

  “The third factor was the future of our Complex. With each passing year the human’s technology becomes more sophisticated, more advanced. Already they have discovered our Complex’s exit portal and have tried to pass through it several times. So far they have not found a way to penetrate the dense saline liquid, but we believe it is only a matter of time before they do. Within the next hundred years it is possible humans will develop the technologically advanced enough to pose a threat and discover our home. This is something that cannot and will not be allowed. Therefore, it will soon become necessary for the Complex to be abandoned and destroyed, thus assuring none of our technology will fall into their hands. This means those Oonocks still with us will need to find alternative forms of life to live out their days, either as land or water creatures. There will be no Complex to return to, to rejuvenate when needed, so we assume our life spans will shorten greatly. Plus, other than the one transmission from Mars, we have never heard from any of our other ships that left with us that day and traveled outside our solar system. Have you ever been on the ocean and heard the whales singing?”

  “Yes, many times,” Europa answered. “Jeanip said some whales are actually Oonocks sending out messages in search of the other ships.”

  “That is correct. For over six hundred years our callers have been sending their messages into space hoping to hear from one of the other ships that escaped Europa, but our calls go unanswered. Perhaps they traveled too far out in the universe to hear our signals. Or perhaps the unthinkable happened and JeffRa hunted them down and eradicated them. Whatever the reason, your implantation made us finally accept the fact we were alone with no rescue or no reinforcements ever coming to our aid.”

  “You may be wondering why the Complex’s future and the reality we were alone affected our decision. The reason is if you had been born as an Oonock and had survived, chances were you would live hundreds, maybe even thousands of years longer than any Oonock now alive. Add in the factor no new Oonocks would be born, you would spend your life alone with no one of your own kind to be with. Your mother and I could not condemn you to such a lonely future.”

  “The last contributing factor was JeffRa’s death. We truly believed he died the day he went over the cliff with Tiree. And since our scouts had not seen even one Terrian or any indication of one in almost six hundred years, we felt there was no danger in having your mother, brother or you live above.”

  “But if you felt there was no danger, why did you have such high security at Minnos and have Saint’s Isle built? Why all the security protocols if there was no danger?” Europa asked.

  “Even though we believed no Terrians existed, we had no way to prove it,” Enok answered. “Your mother and I were not willing to take that chance. Although remote, there still was the possibility Terrians still plotted our downfall. So we built Saint’s Isle and reinforced Minnos to assure your safety while secretly believing and hoping such security measures would never be needed.”

  Enok looked at Europa. He believed she was starting to understand the reasons for his and Medaron’s decisions, but he needed her to understand completely. “Europa, the decision to have you born and raised human was not made lightly. I would have given anything to have you and your mother live with me below. The price we paid for your safety was tremendous, but one we gladly paid. Your mother living above meant we would be separated for decades. Little did we know the day she left the Ocean Complex would be the last day we would ever see each other again. A day has not gone by since she left that I have not missed her terribly, nor has a day gone by since her death that I have not grieved for her loss.”

  “Why did you have Jeanip tell her you had died?” Europa asked.

  “Even though we were separated by hundreds of miles, I could still feel her sorrow, her longing. It tore me apart knowing I was the cause. When the medical personnel told me they could not correct my breathing injury, I knew her suffering would continue for many more years. To ease that pain I decided she be told I had passed on so she could let me go. I thought it was best for her.”

  “Not a very good decision,” Europa said, staring directly at her father. “In fact, I think it was a selfish decision on your part. You eased your pain of causing her sorrow, but mother grieved for you until the day she died.”

  “I will not debate the merits of my decision nor justify my actions. As a monarch, you make judgments based on what you believe is in the
best interest of your people and those you love. If later on you realize it was not the best ruling, as monarch you still must stand by it. This is something you would have learned on Europa when you took over as Supreme Monarch from your mother if JeffRa had not destroyed that reality.”

  Seeing her father would not discuss his false death, Europa asked, “I understand why it was in my best interest to be born above, but why did I have to be born as a human? Why could I not have been born as an Oonock and just lived above? Why was I denied all the fantastic powers and capabilities that Oonocks possess?”

  “It was never your mother’s or my intention to rob you of anything, Europa,” Enok replied. “We simply wanted you to live, to grow up normal and happy and have a long life. Had there been a way for you to be born above as an Oonock we would have done that. But in order for you to be born an Oonock, your mother would have to be her true self, a Waters. And Oonocks can only live in their true form in the depths of the ocean, which I have already stated was not a possibility if you were to survive.”

  “But look what my human life has cost! So many gave up so much to protect me: Earon, Jeanip, Misso and all the others,” Europa stated. “Along with Mother, they not only put their lives on hold but many paid a heavy price for doing it – their deaths.”

  “Europa, you must understand this,” Enok said. “The day it was learned your mother carried you the number one priority for every Oonock on Earth was to protect you and keep you safe. From that day on, each Oonock devoted their life to you and would gladly surrender it to save yours. That has been our custom and way of life for millions of years. It would have been no different if you had been born below.”

  Europa looked at her father’s face. “Father, knowing that does not help me deal with all that has happened. I understand what you are saying regarding the Oonocks’ customs and their monarchs, but it does put a lot of responsibility upon my shoulders. And on Earon’s too. So many have died because of us.”

  “No more responsibility than other monarchs have had to bear, including those on Earth,” Enok answered. “Being born into a royal family and destined to be the next Supreme Ruler comes with obligations and responsibilities. I cannot change the fact you are my daughter or I am the Head Monarch. That is a fact you now have to accept.”

  “But why did you wait until tragedy struck before I learned who I really was?” Europa asked. “Surely there must have been a time somewhere in my life when Mother could have told me.”

  “Did she not tell you that you were of royal blood and we had to flee our old country because of war?” Enok asked. “Did she not tell you it was possible that the family, including you, might still be in danger and therefore you must always have a protector with you?”

  “Yes, she told me,” Europa answered. “But telling someone their parents are of royal birth and their parents are aliens from one of Jupiter’s moons are two different things.”

  “And would you have believed her?” Enok asked, raising his voice slightly as he began to become frustrated once more.

  “Yes, I would have,” Europa answered, her eyes narrowing some as she too was becoming frustrated. “She could have had Earon transform in front of me or she could have transformed herself. There were ways she could have proven to me who and what she was.”

  Seeing this line of discussion was not accomplishing what he wanted to achieve, Enok decided to try a different tactic. “Europa, I am going to ask you two questions. I want you to answer each truthfully with only a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’ answer. Nothing else. After you have answered each question you may add your rationalization. Agreed?”

  “Yes.”

  “Question number one: Imagine the past few weeks never happen. JeffRa never returned, no one has died, you never met Terrance. You know all about your family’s past and the fact they are aliens. You have gone off to college as you had planned and have even met a wonderful man, fallen in love and have decided to get married. Let us even say he is a big science fiction fan and believes there is life on other planets. You bring him to Minnos to meet your mother. Knowing how humans are and how they react to things they do not understand, do you tell him your mother is an alien, that your canine guardian is really your brother, that you are from a race who settled here over six thousand years ago when they fled Europa and that they are shape-shifters?”

  Europa did not answer right away. She thought over the scenario and wanted desperately to answer ‘yes’, that she would tell him the truth. But she knew the truth was she would not have told him.

  “Would you tell him?” Enok asked again.

  “No,” Europa replied, looking away from her father.

  There was a knock at the door. Graybin entered carrying a tray of food and a canister of coffee. Not wishing to disturb her monarchs, she quietly walked over to a small table and swiftly placed the dishes of food on it. She raised the canister of coffee to ask if Europa wanted her to pour the coffee. She shook her head negatively. Graybin placed the coffee canister back on the table and softly walked out of the room.

  “Second question,” Enok continued, “You married this young man without ever telling him what you were or who your family was. By your definition, your omission to tell him constitutes a lie and your entire marriage is a farce. You have children of your own who also have no idea what their grandparents were or that they are still alive. Your children are growing into adults and soon will start their own families and have their own children who could carry Waters’ traits and abilities. Do you tell your children they are part alien?”

  “No,” Europa answered again, this time her voice very low.

  “No,” Enok repeated. “You answered ‘no’ to both questions. Now I would like you to explain to me why you answered negatively. Why would you not tell your future husband?”

  Europa thought back to Terrance’s reaction when she said her parents were aliens. Without looking at her father, Europa replied, “Because he would have thought I was crazy.”

  “But you could have had your brother or mother transform into a deer or a bear to prove you were telling the truth,” Enok stated.

  “That would only have freaked him out,” Europa replied. “He would have run screaming all the way to the authorities or to the tabloid papers. They would pay a lot of money for a story like that.”

  “More than likely,” Enok agreed. “And put everyone at Minnos in danger along with all Oonocks everywhere on this planet. Now why would you not tell your children or grandchildren?”

  “For the same reason,” Europa replied. “They would have thought their mother or grandmother had lost her mind. They would have locked me away. And even if I could convince them, the truth would destroy their futures.”

  “Do your husband and children not have the right to know?”

  “Yes,” Europa said, finally realizing what her father wanted her to understand. “They had the right to know but, for their happiness and their future, it would be better if they did not. Just as it was better for me not to know.”

  “Yes, my Dearest Daughter,” Enok said, pulling Europa into his arms, holding her very securely. “We did not tell you what your people were because we saw no benefit in it. Your life would not have been better or happier. But know we both agreed if you ever needed to know the truth we would not hesitate to tell you, just as I am doing now.”

  “Had JeffRa not reappeared I would have gone off to college and lived my life without knowing,” Europa said, trying to imagine what that life would have been like.

  “And been happy,” Enok added. “That is all your mother and I ever wanted for you. A happy life free of the past horrors JeffRa caused our people.” Enok released his hug and gently pushed her into a sitting position so he could look into her eyes. “Always remember, Europa, that your life has not been a lie. You ARE a human being who was born to two parents who loved you very much, born into a royal family that brings you privile
ge and responsibilities.”

  “Yes, Father,” Europa said. “And I believe it is time I start acting like a monarch and stop feeling sorry for myself.”

  “After what you have been through, I think you are entitled to a few moments of feeling sorry for yourself,” Enok said, giving his daughter a big smile. “Now, how about a little something to eat?”

  “That sounds good,” Europa said. “I actually am quite hungry.” Together they walked over to the table where Graybin had placed their food, eating dinner together for the first time as father and daughter.

  As they sat there enjoying each other’s company, Europa told her father about her life growing up on Minnos, what it was like, her favorite things and her plans to be an oceanographer. Enok explained how he had traveled to the surface almost every day and swam off the shore of Minnos so he could keep an eye on her, her mother and Earon. He told her how Runbee and Graybin, disguised as Jack and Jill, had also kept tabs on her while she grew up and had traveled to the Complex to give him weekly reports. He knew of the time she fell on her bike and scraped her knee, about Danny Winslow breaking her heart in the fifth grade and how beautiful she looked the night of her prom. With a tear in his eye, he told her of the few times he had been able to see her when at the surface and how much it had meant to him. He also told her of the Complex below, her people who lived there and his duties as Ruling Monarch. Lastly, he told her of Europa, her homeworld. In great detail he explained what it looked like, the animals and plants that shared that world with them and what existing there entailed. Europa listed to her father, enthralled by his stories, captivated by the possibilities of what her future held.

  FARCORE